Based upon the patient files (N=132) maintained by the Chinatown Alcoholism Services (CAS), interviews with CAS staff, and the clinical experience of the authors with Chinese alcoholics, this paper describes the social contexts of alcoholism among a group of working-class Chinese males in New York City. It focuses on the relationship between social adjustment and drinking behaviors, and analyzes the meaning of alcohol use and abuse within the ethnic community. The paper also examines the role of significant others in the alcoholics' drinking and help-seeking behaviors. Finally, treatment and research issues pertaining to alcoholism among the Chinese are discussed. [Translations are provided. See the International Abstracts at the end of the issue.]